Senate Bill No. 344, introduced by Senator Barrow, aims to create the crime of unsecured storage of firearms in Louisiana. The bill makes it unlawful for individuals to store firearms in an unsecured manner on premises they control if they know or should reasonably know that a minor or prohibited person may gain access to the firearm. It defines key terms such as "minor," "prohibited person," "tamper-resistant trigger lock," and "unsecured." The bill also outlines specific exceptions to this rule, including situations where the firearm is carried by the owner, obtained through unlawful entry, or used by a minor for lawful activities under adult supervision.

Penalties for violating this law include a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. If a violation results in bodily injury caused by a minor or prohibited person who accessed an unsecured firearm, the offender may face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year, with the possibility of hard labor. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not impair the constitutional right to keep and bear arms as provided by both the Louisiana Constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. The proposed law is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.